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If you're a bicyclist, you'll love this (4 photos)

The Sault Ste. Marie Civic Centre’s Russ Ramsay Room was the location for a well-attended open house Thursday.

Members of the public met with City of Sault Ste. Marie Engineering and Planning staff and local representatives of AECOM Canada, an engineering/consulting firm working with the City on a proposed reduction of a portion of Queen Street East from its current four lanes down to three.

The proposed reduction from four lanes to three, with bicycle lanes, would extend from Pim Street to east of Gravelle Street (near the Sault Ste. Marie Golf Club) within existing pavement widths.

It would consist of one lane in each direction with a continuous two-way left turn centre lane, with bicycle lanes adjacent to each curb (shown).

It would also include a 2.5 metre wide boulevard trail on the south side of Queen Street from Pine Street to Lake Street to complete the John Rowswell Hub Trail in that area.

The boulevard trail is not considered appropriate for the area east of Lake Street because of the number of private driveways and other entrances along that stretch of road.

The plan is considered by the City and AECOM as the preferred option.

Thursday’s open house stemmed from a 2007 Sault Ste. Marie Cycling Master Plan Update, which consisted of public input and was approved by City Council.

In 2008 a Transportation Planning Consultant, retained by the City, concluded it was feasible for Queen Street to be reconfigured from four lanes down to three, with provisions for cyclists, based on projected reduced traffic volumes for the area.

A proposal to convert Queen Street from four lanes to three lanes with bicycle lanes from Pim Street to east of Gravelle Street was discussed at a previous open house held in November 2011.

Public interest shown at that first open house led to Thursday’s event, described as part of a Class Environmental Assessment (or a “Class EA”), as a chance for the public to comment on alternative solutions.

One alternative was to do nothing and keep Queen Street as is, another involved three lanes plus bicycle lanes and widening the existing pavement east of Pine Street, and another involved establishing an off-road boulevard trail along the length of the project while keeping the current four lane configuration.

AECOM Engineer and Project Manager Rick Talvitie, speaking to SooToday.com Thursday, acknowledged the project has its pluses and minuses for many people.

Talvitie said: “Generally speaking I’d say the majority of people who visited (Thursday’s open house) are in favour of converting Queen Street from four lanes to three lanes.”

“We’ve certainly had a lot of visits from avid and recreational bicyclists, and I think there’s a general consensus that travelling down Queen Street on a bicycle in its current configuration is dangerous and uncomfortable for cyclists.”

“For those that are opposed, there are some who feel that there may be some increased delay in getting in and out of their driveways, certainly there’s the issue that they’re going to lose the ‘on street’ parking, and I think some people generally like to have the option of being able to pass vehicles, which the current four-lane allows you to do.”

City of Sault Ste. Marie Director of Engineering Services Don Elliott said funding for the Queen Street conversion from four lanes to three is already there.

“It is in the capital budget…the primary cost here is resurfacing Queen Street, and we have that in our 2014 capital budget.”

“The issue about four lanes versus three lanes is really just ‘how do we paint the lines?’ so there’s no significant difference in capital costs.”

Approximately $2 million has been put aside by the City for the project, Elliott said, adding that he, like Talvitie, observed that “most people seem to be in favour of it.”

“Most of the feedback is positive,” Elliott said.

Comment sheets were provided to the public Thursday, and written comments will be accepted by Project Manager Rick Talvitie at AECOM’s 523 Wellington Street East office until February 21.

Once AECOM reviews public input, it will finalize its preferred solution and compile a report that will be forwarded to all that expressed interest, with 30 days allowed for review.

If no “significant” concerns or objections are received during that 30 day period, the City may proceed with the project.

The project is expected to go to tender in March, with the project tender awarded in April, subject to City Council’s approval.

Construction would begin in May (with some necessary road closures and detours throughout the process) and be completed by the end of October.

@take - possibly, but probably because of the way cyclists are still treated on the roads in this city. Also the roads are the messiest right at the banks in the winter, that'll make for some difficult riding. And yes, many people in many cities that have snow ride their bikes throughout the winter.

We should be especially tolerant of this living in the self-appointed 'green energy capital of North America'.

I think the bike symbol on the pavement should be a pair of pedals instead. And force ALL bikes, electric bikes with pedals etc too, to ride there. And have signs disallowing them on any of the busier streets, that don't have bicycle lanes. Or at least during busy "rush hour traffic" times.

"And have signs disallowing them on any of the busier streets, that don't have bicycle lanes. Or at least during busy "rush hour traffic" times."

So, my question is this- How are the people who ride their bikes to work supposed to get there if they can't be on the road during "rush hour"..please keep in mind we are in SSM and NOT in Toronto or Ottawa where "rush hour" is a real thing, not just a bunch of impatient drivers trying to push a cyclist over to the curb. Cyclists have just as much right to be on the road as a car, truck, SUV or even (sadly enough)... Hummers.

When I drive on a roadway as the owner of a car I require by law the following: insurance and a license. To obtain the license required me to pass a written test and a driving test. Yet you want me to share the road with someone that requires nothing and if they cause an accident they have no insurance. Might want to revisit this one

I think this is fabulous and much needed. Maybe it would even encourage others that might otherwise take their vehicle to work, to see this as a more environmentally friendly option. And just think of all that exercise :)

outside... cyclists are required by law to obey all the rules of the road. Keep in mind, however, that far too many drivers do not follow all the rules, either.

I've lived and driven in various cities with dedicated bike lanes. Some work, some don't. Along this stretch I can see them working BUT... there will need to be extensive education for both motorists and cyclists as to the proper use of these lanes.

So for a year or more Wellington between East st and Elizabeth has had increased traffic and accidents, because it is quite narrow (especially in winter) and this was because Queen St East was under construction, now when that QueenSt traffic is finally going to be opened (after next years construction) it will be at half the volume capability . Yet this decrease is only so that bikes can use both sides of the street 6 months a year . the other six months the drivers have to put up with the decreased capability with none using those bike lanes. Unless of course the snowplows will constantly be doing those bike lanes at our tax payers expense. For the four bike nut cases a year that use their bikes in slippery winter (should be illegal by the way) Way to go Sault Planners your primary users and tax payers are penalized for a few bikers that have a loud voice while the silent majority assumes you will not be this stupid. We were wrong ! Be prepared for more accidents along Wellington and two lane driving all winter on Queen East. Solution is to get them right off the four lane busy roads and use bicycle license fees to pay for their cycle paths.

Seriously! Clearly these planners have not driven this section of Queen St between 7:30-8:30 am or 4:30-5:30 pm. There is no way one lane for cars will work. There is way too much traffic. Even Wellington St is way too busy at these times. I am an avid bicyclist too but someone needs to rethink their plans.

When an e-bike is jumping from the sidewalk to the bike lane and hits my truck, who is going to pay to fix my truck or anyones vehicle, most cyclists are decemt but i haven not seen one decent e-bike rider yet... thats my main concern with this bike lane

This plan was based on an assumption that Queen street traffic will decrease after the hospitals moved. Have they actually confirmed this assumption? As someone who drives AND bikes this section daily, I haven't noticed a change outside of construction season.

Nunavut , just to educate you..cyclistspay taxes too. I think we will all feel the increase equally. Just because you choose not to ride a bike, it doesn't mean your tax money pays better than a cyclists tax money.

enlighten me then, what will happen? Who is to blame?Who pays damages?Who is going to pay to enlarge my driveway because now we lost on street parking?Are you going to stop to let me pull out of my driveway so I can go to work?

saucy, you'll be ok.Don't be so upset, all you have to do is take an extra millisecond to ensure nobody is coming down the road, sidewalk, bikelane. You would do the same for a pedestrian right? What's the big rush to back out of your driveway like jack flash?

Queen Street has been pretty much a two-lane road since December and traffic Armageddon hasn't happened. No one mode of transportation is any more righteous than another and no one deserves to get to their destination faster than any one else. Be nice to one another and share the road.

its not the fact of backing out of my driveway like jack flash, its now i have to back out across 2 lanes now and there will be only one lane of traffic, so all the nice drivers who go to the outside lane so i can back out, wont have the option, plus i cannot wait to back in my 30 foot trailer when this is finished

"when an e-bike jumps from the sidewalk to the road"?? If you see that happening maybe you should follow them home and then report them because the majority of ebike riders are very conscientious and law abiding. I have only noticed one person on the streets that needs a talking to.( this is the same person that rides her bike down the sidewalks downtown), how she hasn't been caught yet is surprising, but don't let one idiot ruin it for many respectable drivers. If and when I ride an ebike it will be to the left side of the road as close to the curb as safely possible to allow people to pass and hopefully they would use the center lane for EVERYONES safety. People use these bikes to go to work, and for pleasure just like regular bikes. In case you were not aware, it's against the law to drive ANY bike on the sidewalk, ebike OR regular bike. People complained that the bikes were on the sidewalks and making it unsafe for the walkers so now they are on the streets where they themselves are not safe. The simple fact is this, there would be no problem if people didn't think they were all kings of the road and refuse to slow down to pass a slower moving vechicle. I guess things in your life are SO important that you couldn't possibly drop down to 30 or 40 kilometers to pass a bike. You are probably one of those dummys that speeds past me and that I catch up to at the red light. You think a bike rider deserves to pay the same insurance as you with your huge gas guzzling hemi truck?? I don't think so. A lot of people that would be on welfare if they didn't have a way to get to work, and then you would complain you would have to support them too. Stop complain and having a knee jerk reaction to everything posted on Sootoday. Live and let live, its not so hard to slow down for a minute is it?

first off, i am an avid motorcycle rider, and i dont no speed past you on your ebike, i give you ample room when i can, and if i cant i wait until there is a crossing street so ebikers can pull in abit, BUT with that being said out of then 10 ebikers i see 2 are being respectable. And insurance has nothing to do with gas guzzling trucks, and obvisouly you wouldnt pay the same rate becasue your vehicle isnt as mush money, but it should be mantadory that they have insurance and a licenese..

Btw since you hate my gas guzzling truck so much, you riding your ebike to work right now in this storm or are you wishing you had a 4x4...

hippies died out in the 60's man,thanks for saving the earth for the both of us..

im not a cyclist, but i do enjoy moutian biking and likei stated i ride motorcycles. and yes my travel trailer that I use to go camping with my family is 30' and backing it in now is a major pain, i would wait unitlt he evening and was able to park on the road, now i dont have that option and its gonna be rough..

I actually have a 4x4 vehicle, and yes I like driving it. But when someone is either trying to be a little "greener" or maybe can't afford a car, I'm not going to pull the "King of the Road" card and try to run them down, flip them off or tell them to "get on the sidewalk" I'll slow down my 4x4 until they pass. Then...because I have more horse power than legs in this thing, I give a little throttle once the coast is clear and make it to work..on time.

Hippies died in the 60's? hmm, well then, you're welcome for saving the earth for you to drive on. I'll be in my tree house pumping up my tires and greasing my chain.

I have indeed seem some stupid e-bike drivers in my time. so i can only comment on myself

I am a responsible ebike driver,I do not go onto sidewalks I push myself as far to the curb as possible, and only get into the left hand lane when it is clear and am able to go as I move slower so and don't feel like taking a trip to the hospital.

I couldn't tell you the amount of times a big truck has decided to come so close to me they almost hit me to get to the red light quicker.

But the amount of times that a truck has almost hit me on a BRIGHT RED ebike, pushed over as far as i can be to the sidewalkis ridiculous. I think I stopped counting at about 20 in one month.

it is not fair to assume every truck or car driver has attempted to hit me, and generally I receive a lot of respect when it comes to driving my ebike just as I allow respect to other drivers.Many cities have bike lanes, and many cities have ebikes This is just another way of sault ste marie continuing to push forward and grow as a city.

If your truck receives damage from an ebike you would treat it no different than if a person or a car did it.

Just as how I would treat it no different than if I got hurt on my ebike because someone decided to be king of the road.

I don't generalize every driver as an A**, so don't generalize every ebike driver as an idiot cause the most of us are not.

@Crashed13, I actually work at the golf course so this is perfect for me, because I work at the Iron Club. it is actually a beautiful ebike drive down there from where I live, very pretty in the fall .

Asuna... FYI, you might not realize it, but even a bright red e-bike can be hard to spot. I'm not excusing the bad drivers who just don't care and run you off the road, but sometimes e-bikes aren't easy to spot.

Also, their speed is a factor -- a drive will see what appears to be a motorcycle ahead, but catches up far quicker than expected, because the e-bike goes so much slower than traffic.

But you're right, there are good and bad cyclists, e-bikers, and motorists. We all need to share the road.

saucy, you say your not a complainer sure sounds like you are. As far a worrying about e-bikes and bicycles hitting you maybe you should keep your eyes open more often. These riders also have to worry about the morons in this city who feel they can drive anywhere and any way they want.

I know what the law is, but it is safer to ride a bike on the sidewalk, as long as it is a normal speed AND you stop to let people walk by. Riding a bike on the the roadway is 1000 times more dangerous.

Pat on a bike from what I've observed you are in the minority. I see most 4x4's passing everyone in their path. For some mental reason they can't seem to go with the flow of traffic.

I like this idea, it will be safer for bikers who would like a more direct route to the park and it will slow down the speeders which for me is just as much of an added plus. The people who have to park on the road should still be allowed to do so. It should be the bike rider's responsibility to yield to traffic in this situation.

E bike are quick enough to be in the flow of traffic. They should not be allowed on the bike path. The entire idea would be redundant if they allow them to do so.

If there is any roadwork needs to be done then designated detours should trump the right of the biker should this occur.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone. Enjoy the day with loved ones and friends. We may not like everyone or what they do but we all need to be more tolerant of others get along. To Saucy - your issues are small compared to some grief, pain and suffering others endure. Be thankful you can live your life the way you do but not everyone is as fortunate as you. Have some patience.

Where is anybody ever going in such a hurry that they can't take a few seconds to check and see that everybody including pedestrians and cyclists are going to be safe?? Every time I go anywhere the fixed objects like my home, work or any other destination have been there for years and aren't going to vanish if I arrive a couple of minutes later than originally planned.

People on Wellington street are going to love this, as more traffic will naturally flow that way when you create the bottle neck at the beginning of the 4 to 2 lanes of traffic. Going to be a Gong show after a Greyhound game or any big function downtown as merge mania takes over.

What is the plan for winter months when Queen east is usually down to one and a half lanes? We are going to pay more for snow removal so that the one person that rides his bike in the winter has access.

The middle turning lane looks good in theory but will be used as a passing lane out of frustration, remember the passing lane on the old 69 highway, dubbed "suicide lane".

We have already spent millions and counting on the Hub Trail for bike travel, a mode of transportation that a "very small minority" in this city use. City Hall planning is bent on trying to make us a bike city when our weather and demographics, do not support it, (Stats Can.),Regrettably, this is not the end of this project, since the plan is to do the same with Bay. Restructuring the major auto corridors should be a referendum issue, instead of a public meeting attended by very few.

Since City Hall has shown no restraint in spending, we can only punish our elected Mayor and Council, which people living on Wellington and Greyhound fans will remember

Reading the comments on this topic,it strikes me that cycling fans talk theory.For example, "we have the right to use the road." That is a statement with which I agree. What they don't ever seem willing to accept is that there are times,road conditions, traffic conditions and/or weather conditions when common sense should over rule your rights and a cyclist should stay off the road because it's simply too dangerous. I suggest that riding down Wellington St. at 8:00 am on a weekday when it is snowing heavily is an example of one of those times.

If you watch traffic the right lane is mostly empty anyway. People use the left lane as "the new right" they stay there for no reason. snorules: for 2 hours a day we will keep this road 4 lane ".....have not driven this section of Queen St between 7:30-8:30 am or 4:30-5:30 pm. There is no way one lane for cars will work. There is way too much traffic" Are you serious? WAY to much traffic???

People riding bikes are morons who don't care about rules of the road way and most of the time cause accidents they should also have to pay for insurance as for electric scooters shame on those people driving then especially the guy 2 weeks ago on Albert street driving in middle of road holding up traffic I think the police and local officials should crack down on these clowns the shouldn't be on the road sidewalk or showroom the should be at local dump

they're trying to keep bikers off the sidewalks, and I'M glad they have something like this. If you're worried about accidents and etc, well, its the DRIVERS in this town who don't know how to control their vehicles. I don't understand why everytime a great idea comes up, it gets shot down because people are complaining they have to share the road with bycycle riders.

Sounds like a great way to encourage more people to cycle! I would happily cycle to work if this was available, as it would connect to the hub trail, leading me right to work! It is far too dangerous riding on the road.

Love the Idea, i would ride my bike more if there were lanes. Cause i wont ride on the roads now with the fear of getting clipped.I ride on the side walk. I rather a fine then losing my life. Maybe more people will get out now.

Whoa here we go - car's hate bikes bikes hate cars. I drive -I have a new car , I ride a bike - all year -I am one of those guys who ride safe - I have lights (big red ones that flash - big white ones that flash)and I use them. My tires are mud tires, I ride the sidewalks the alley ways, the roads. The most approriate for all. So if I paly guitar am I a drunk or a druggy, if I'm a dog will I bite ? Use the brain people. There are cyclist( last night on my way out with my kids in the car ) a cyclist - no lights in the middle of the road. Cars/trucks are the same - last night black truck 80k at least down Great Northern , Why ?Brain up on the commnets people

awesome its about time.i like going to bigger cities(chicago,minneapolis,detroit etc) that have these bike lanes.im sure a small town like this can make it work.then again alot of fat ass people here that hop in there car and think they own the road.

First off I don’t care if they put bike lanes on Queen or not. I figure it may occasionally add 2 minutes to my drive. I really don’t anticipate a “Tour de France” style bike traffic here. Here are my thoughts about the proposed change. I think transit busses will have to pull into the bike lane to allow passengers to safely enter and exit the bus, especially with that ramp thing that the busses have for passengers with accessibility issues. These busses will be half in the through lane as well as the bike lane. This will cause bikes and traffic weaving around the bus causing dangerous situations.The church at Queen and Coulson uses Queen for parking for functions held at the church. What is the plan to accommodate parking for the church? I think it is more than the side streets can handle. As for the car and bike haters, it’s my observation that there are real pieces of work on both sides of the argument.

Now you see why Sault Ste Marie is one of the most non progressive cities in Ontario. We are years behind with major chain stores and the same applies to bike lanes and paths. We are also the laziest Country in the world and the Sault is a prime example of that just listen to yourselves. As far as driving skills they are also extremely low as the laws are not enforced in this city. Just go for a drive and count how many people run red lights and advanced greens. It is just common practice for everyone to run it if its yellow even if you are able to stop. I have cycled all over the US including Florida where people don't run you off the road they wait until they can get around. Its also legislation in Florida that every new road have a 3ft bike lane. They also have bill boards that read I am a Father a Doctor a Police Officer a Fire Fighter and a cyclist please give me 3 feet. As far as ebikes being the same as regular bikes far from it they are far to lazy to exercise and break more laws than any car or cyclist. If a cyclist runs a red light or stop sign they must have a death wish. When I ride in the City I don't ride on busy streets there are lots of other routes that are safe I never have a problem. People on bikes that are trying to prove a point in the Sault by saying they have rights are going to loose the battle as someone will run you over. And if you don't think it will happen good luck proving your point in this city. I ride 8000k a season and very little in the City for this reason.

Nautiques...ebikes riders are lazy? honestly that is one of the worst things I have read on here. I cant believe you wrote that. Great for you to be able to ride all over the world on your bicycle, but some people would like to enjoy the sun on their face and the wind on their hair just like you but perhaps have a bad knee, are a lot older, are not into long distance biking but still want to get out and enjoy the summer. I guess because you consider yourself a professional bike rider you look down at the people riding for pleasure..are motorcyclists also lazy? because they are on the same two wheels that e bikers are, they are so lazy they cant even plug in their bike to recharge the battery they just fill it with gas!! You are one of the reasons bike riding isn't safe..I have seen people like you riding on the highway...of course you think you are speeding along so fast that you are keeping up with traffic and you certainly wont ride on the side of the road unless it's paved right? so that means you are halting traffic and possibly causing accidents because the people behind you have to slow way down to be able to pass you safely...sadly they will probably get rear ended because the going rate it 90 not 25 or 30. BUT YOU are a professional bike rider...you put more miles on your bike in a year than I do my car...but don't worry I still respect you and I carefully sow down and when I can I will pass you allowing a LOT of room for your safety! You seem fixated on this riding, I have to assume you are unemployed. Have a nice day and stop thinking you're better and more knowledgeable just because your on the highway riding.

People say ,especially city staff that since the hospitals are gone from Queen st. east , the traffic on Queen St. east has reduced dramatically . I travel Queen St. almost everyday , and have not seen a reduction of traffic . Also when Queen St. was closed for the past two years from June to November , the traffic on Wellington St. east has increased dramatically , to a point of being a parking lot at peak times during the day. This just shows the traffic that Queen St. east funnels away from Wellington St. While I agree that a bike path is needed on or around Queen Street , it is my opinion that reducing Queen St. to two lanes is not the way to approach this problem . There are two sidewalks on this street and with reduced use of this area because of the hospital relocation , one of these sidewalks could be widened and allocated for bicycle use without reducing the roadway for vehicular traffic as this is still a fairly busy access road to and from the downtown area.